This is a collaborative post
Dogs are curious creatures. Some of them are even fearless. Their avid curiosity and fearlessness make them prone to injuries.
Your canine companion will get hurt at least once or twice during its life. It could injure itself in the leg, spine, tail, eye, or elsewhere while running with other canines, jumping, or playing fetch.
Most injuries heal on their own. But, some injuries, such as those of the soft tissue, spine, or scrapes and cuts in the mouth, require surgery. Surgical procedures can make your Fido restless or frustrated. They can cost a lot, ranging from $5000 to $10,000. That’s another challenge pet parents have to deal with.
At the same time, recovering from surgery can take some time. Soft tissue surgeries heal quicker, generally in two weeks. Meanwhile, orthopaedic or bone surgeries can take anywhere between six and twelve weeks or even up to six months.
You can, however, speed up recovery by taking good care of your furry friend post-surgery. Here are some practical tips that will help you care for your four-legged companion after surgery, accelerating the recovery process.
#1. Follow Your Vet’s Post-Op Instructions
Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions on how to care for your canine companion’s wound post-surgery. Those instructions are tailored to your furry friend’s specific needs and the type of surgery performed, so follow them to a tee.
Administer medications at the time advised by your vet and at the correct dosages to manage pain and prevent infection. Your vet might also give dietary recommendations, suggesting foods that promote healing. Make sure you stick to those foods only.
If any of their instructions are unclear, call your vet and seek clarification. Don’t do the guesswork. Even the slightest mistake can have grave consequences, and your Fido will have to pay the price.
#2. Keep the Wound Clean and Dry
When your Rover is home, you will have to care for its wound. The wound must always be clean and dry, and it mustn’t get dirty or wet, or complications can occur.
Take, for example, enucleation, an orbital surgery performed in dogs to treat diseases such as intraocular neoplasia or remove painful, non-visual eyes. In some canines, this procedure can lead to surgical site infection or SSI. Swelling, redness, and purulent discharge are symptoms of SSI.
Whether enucleation or any other surgery, the risk of SSIs can be minimized by caring for the wound properly.
Your vet must have advised you on how to clean the wound. Follow that. Change your canine companion’s bandage regularly to prevent draining fluid from saturating them.
When a bandage becomes saturated with fluid, it can create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth and infection. But changing them regularly will keep the wound clean and dry, which will promote healing.
Use Chlorhexidine, a topical antiseptic, to clean the wound site and maintain drainage. Cleaning the draining material will prevent skin irritation.
Applying a topical powder can alleviate discomfort and accelerate healing. Neo-Predef with Tetracaine is a powder specifically formulated to provide relief for dogs with post-surgical wounds. This Neo-Predef powder, combining anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and topical anaesthetic properties, alleviates discomfort and expedites recovery. Hence, consider using it.
According to PetCareRx, this powder blends the synergistic effects of three active ingredients—isoflupredone, neomycin, and tetracaine.
Isoflupredone lowers inflammation by reducing immunological response, easing discomfort, and speeding recovery. Neomycin hinders bacterial growth, so it helps prevent infection and promotes a sterile healing environment. Tetracaine acts as a topical anaesthetic. It numbs the affected area and relieves pain and discomfort.
Avoid bathing your Fido until the wound has fully healed. Water can introduce contaminants and slow the healing process. Instead, use spot-cleaning techniques if your dog becomes dirty. If the wound gets wet, pat it dry immediately with a clean towel.
#3. Prevent Your Rover From Licking the Wound
As the wound starts healing, it might become itchy. Canines have a tendency to lick their wounds to soothe pain. Your Fido might also do that. This, however, can cause significant damage to the wound since licking introduces new bacteria, which might delay recovery. Even worse, licking might pull out the stitches, which can reopen the wound.
To keep your canine companion from licking the site, use an Elizabethan collar or an e-collar. Place it around its neck. This cone-shaped device will create a barrier that will prevent your furry friend from reaching the wound. As a result, it won’t be able to lick it.
Many canines, however, find the e-collar uncomfortable. If your Fido seems uncomfortable in it, use inflatable collars or soft fabric cones. These are more comfortable than the e-collar and effectively prevent access to the wound. Recovery suits are also an excellent option. They are full-body garments that cover the wound area.
Wrapping it up, the days following surgery will be hard for your Fido since it will likely experience discomfort, and mobility will also be limited. It will require your utmost attention and care to recover smoothly and swiftly. These tips can make a significant difference in your Rover’s recovery, expediting the process. Hence, follow them.
Bear in mind that every dog heals at its own pace. You must, thus, be patient and keep in close communication with your vet throughout the process.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post